Treasures Of Heaven: Relics From Noah's Ark To The Shroud Of Turin

Is the Shroud of Turin an elaborate medieval scam, or is it nothing short of concrete evidence of the Resurrection? Is the venerated skull of St. John the Baptist in France, in Damascus, or was it only just recently unearthed near the Dead Sea? Will the marvels of modern science debunk the mysteries of sacred relics revered for over two millennia, or will it prove without a doubt what hundreds of millions of faithful have known in their hearts and souls all along? In Treasures from Heaven, author Steven Sora sets to find out.

In this fascinating examination, Sora recounts the story of Christianity's most treasured artifacts--the Ark of the Covenant, Noah's Ark, the True Cross, the Spear of Destiny, the Shroud of Turin, and the Holy Grail--as well as lesser-known objects such as the Veil of Veronica and the bones and blood of biblical figures, including those of St. Luke. Weaving together lessons in history, religion, and modern science, Sora first traces the origin, time line, and religious significance of each object and then examines the authenticity of each through the lens of modern science. This meticulously researched book also explores why millions of pilgrims are willing to travel thousands of miles each year to visit relics on display in hopes of a miracle, a cure, an answer to a prayer, or just to pay homage to the hallowed artifact.

From the holiest object in Christendom to some of the bizarre religious artifacts currently being sold on eBay, Treasures from Heaven provides layers upon layers of factual data, research, and theology, and explores what the most cutting-edge technologyhas been able to prove or disprove about these sacred marvels.

A fascinating examination of the most famous religious relics of all time
Since the early days of the Church, Christians have venerated religious relics. In this fascinating book, Steven Sora tells the story of Christianity's most treasured artifacts-the Ark of the Covenant, Noah's Ark, the True Cross, the Spear of Destiny, the Shroud of Turin, and the Holy Grail-as well as lesser-known objects such as the Veil of Veronica and the bones and blood of Biblical figures such as St. Luke. After describing when and where these relics first came to light and what miraculous powers people believe they possess, he discusses what modern science can tell us about these much-revered objects-and what science still fails to explain.
Steven Sora (Easton, PA) is the author of The Lost Treasure of the Knights Templar: Solving the Oak Island Mystery and the forthcoming Secret Societies of America's Elite: From the Knights Templar to Skull and Bones.